Line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines.



. Patented July I, I902. C. F. LAGANKE.

LINE SPACING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

(Appliqation filed Feb. 7I 1901.)

4 Sheets- Sheet l.

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(No Model.)

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Patented July I, I902. C. F. LAGANKE.

LINE SPACING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

(Application filed Feb. 7. 1901.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 (No Model.)

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I C. F. LAGANKE.

LINE SPACING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

(Application filed Feb. 7, 1901.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 wumww Tue NORRIS PETERSPDV wovuuTr-m, .vAsmNnYoN. o c e Patented July I, I902. C. F. LAGANKE.

LINE SPACING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

(Application filed Feb. 7, 1901.)

(No Model.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIcE.

CHARLES FREDERICK LAGANKE, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE FISHER BOOK TYPEWRITER COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE. I l

LINE-SPACING MECHANISM FOR TYPE-WRITING MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 703,961, dated July 1, 1902.

Application filed February '7, 1901. Serial No. 46,376. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES FREDERICK LAGANKE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented anew and useful Line-Spacing Mechanism for Type- Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to type-writing machines, and has special reference to the linespacing mechanism thereof, the object being to provide a mechanism of this character which shall be positive and reliable in action, while at the same time embodying every necessary adjustment to meet the requirements of type-writing in the spacing of the lines.

To this end the invention contemplates a simple and practical construction of linespacing mechanism capable of convenient and ready manipulation, as well as of easy adjustment.

A further object is to provide a construction of line-spacing mechanism embodying means whereby the operator is enabled to adjust the movement of the machine so that the lines of type-writing can be located at predetermined distances apart and also whereby the machine may be set to accurately write upon variously-ruled paper, thus involving what may be properly termed a universal adjustment to meet any special conditions of spacing.

In the accomplishment of the foregoing objects the central feature involved in the improved line-spacing mechanism is the provision of means for securing a plurality of fixed or predetermined spacings and also variable spacings, such as would be met with in working upon variously-ruled paper.

Another object of the invention is to provide a line-spacing mechanismnot only capable of general application to machines to effect the line-for-line progression of the type-writing, but also one possessing special utility in connection with that class of typewriting machines which print upon a sheet in a flat or spread-out condition, and which machines include in their general organization a printing mechanism traveling over the flat platen. In this special adaptation of the line-spacing mechanism the same not only provides for the intermittent advancement of the machine-frame as the work progresses, but also in its normal condition permits of the traveling machine-frame being freely moved backward and forward over the platen. Many other objects and advantages will more readily appear as the nature of the invention is better understood; and the same consists in the novel construction, combination, and relation of parts, hereinafter more fully described, illustrated, and claimed.

The several instrumentalities comprising the line-spacing mechanism and the fundamental features thereof, providing for a plurality of fixed spacings, as well as for universal spacing, are necessarily susceptible to a wide range of modification without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; but for illustrative purposes a few of the more practical embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in

Figure 1 is a plan View of a book type-writing machine equipped with one form of linespacing mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail plan View of the spacing mechanism, showing the stop device set for universal spacing and illustrating in dotted lines the position of the device when it is desired to have the actuator act in its normal position asa holdback-dog. Fig. 3 is afront elevation of the same form of mechanism with the parts "illustrated in the same position as shown in 2. Fig. 4 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the same form of line-spacing mechanism. Fig. 5 is a crosssectional view on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3, showing the line-spacing mechanism in elevation and partly broken away and the actuator acting as a holdback-dog. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the line-spacing mechanism on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7is a detail in perspective of the shiftable stop device embodied in the form of line-spacing mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to'6, inclusive, of the drawings. Figs. 8 and 9 are detail views in perspective of variations of that form of the stop device illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig.10 is an enline-spacing mechanism, in which the inven- .tion is carried out by the use of another form of stop device, shown set for single or narrow spacing. Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the same form of mechanism with the parts in the same positions as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the subject-matter of Figs. and 11. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view on the line 13 13 of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view on the line 14 14t of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the line-spacing mechanism on the line 15 15 of Fig. 12. Fig. 16 is a detail view in perspective of the shiftable stop deviceembodied in that form of line-spacing mechanism illustrated in Figs. 10 to 15, inclusive, of the drawings. Fig. 17 is a detail view in perspective of a mechanical variation or modification of the stop device shown in Fig. 16, the plurality of fixed contact-points being produced by a stopsection having a plain oblique edge instead of shouldered or stepped, as shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a front elevation of still another forinof line-spacing mechanism, in which is embodied a stop device having the form of a cam. Fig. 19 is a detail plan view of the form of spacing mechanism shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a side elevation thereof. Fig. 21 is a detail plan view of the cam constituting the stop device in that embodimentof the linespacing mechanism illustrated in Figs. 18 to 20, inclusive, of the drawings; and Fig. 22, Sheet 1, is a detail view in perspective of the actuator.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings. I

The novel relation of inst-ruinentalities constituting the improved line-spacing mechanism, are necessarily capable of general application to any type of type-writing machine in which the line-spacing is effected by a manually-operated actuator, such as a linespacing lever or key, and while some structural changes may be involved in thus adapting the mechanism to different machines the essential features of construction and operation would still be preserved, so as not to depart from the spirit of the invention. It is only necessary in thus adapting the mechanism to different machines to preserve those elements whichprovide for the combination of fixed spacings and universal spacing, as a distinctive feature of the invention resides in the provision of a stop device associated with the actuator and comprising a plurality of fixed contact-points, as well as means for universal adjustment within the range of movement of the actuator and the spacing elements directly cooperating therewith.

Although the line-spacing mechanism is necessarily capable of general application, still for illustrative purposes and in order to demonstrate its special utility in connection with a book type-writing machine the same is shown in the drawings as associated with a Fisher book type-writing machine, such as are now on the market. This type of machine is largely intended forwriting in books and on letter-sheets, as wellas for making up records and reports, and the form of Fisher machine shown in the drawings is of the same general nature as the similar machines disclosed, for example, in the patents to B. J. Fisher, Nos. 562,625, and 573,868. This machine involves in its general organization a traveling machine-frame 1, carrying the printing mechanism 2 and having arranged at the front side thereof a rotatable propelling or spacing spindle 3, mounted in suitable bearing-brackets 4:, projecting from the front side of the frame and carrying the usual pinions 5, meshing with the main track-rails 6, which are arranged upon the platen (not shown) in the usual manner. The said propelling or spacing spindle 3 in the type of machine shown in the drawings has the linespacing mechanismassociated directly therewith, and as this spindle accomplishes the same spacing movement as the roller-platen of a letter type-writing machine or the movable element of any machine which is actuated by the line-spacing mechanism it will be understood that the said propelling or spacing spindle 3 illustrates, broadly, the movable machine member, which is actuated intermittently by the line-spacing mechanism. Therefore thisterm-namely, movable machine member -will be understood to comprehend the spacing-spindle of a book type-writing machine, the roller-platen of a letter type-writing machine, or the corresponding member or element of any other kind of machine in connection with which the line-spacing mechanism may be employed.

In the adaptation of the invention shown in the drawings the movable machine member I 3, actuated by the line-spacing mechanism, is designed to carry the spacing element, (designated by the reference-numeral 7,) and which spacing element corresponds in function to the ratchet-disks or ratchet-surfaces 'employedin other types ofline-spacing mechanism. In the preferred forms of the present invention the said spacing element preferably consists of a knurled disk or wheel, having a knurled or milled peripheral edge 8,

which presents a gripping-surface for the ac actuator may be of any suitable form which will properly cooperate with the spacing element or wheel 7, and in the construction shown in the drawings (see Fig. 22) consists of a spacing-lever having at itsv outer end akey or finger-plate 13, which is engaged by the finger of the operator to depress the said actuator or lever 12. The line-spacing lever 2 is designed to have a swinging movement of a sufficient extent to provide for the desired spacing and is supported in operative relation to the element or wheel 7 by a rockerarm 14. This rocker-arm 14 in the construction shown is arranged at one side of the element or wheel 7 and is pivotally hung at one end-as, for instance, upon a collar 15, fixed upon the extremity 3 of the spindle 5, immediately adjacent to the wheel 7, (see Figs. 4 and 6)thus permitting the said arm to freely swing independently of the said spindle when the actuator or spacing-lever 12 is not operatively engaged with the peripheral edge of the wheel 7. The rocker-arm 14 is of a greater length than one-half the diameter of the wheel 7, so as to extend beyond the periphery of the latter, to provide a swinging support for the lever oractuator 12, and the latter is connected to the said rocker-arm, at'or contiguous to the outer swinging end thereof, by means of a suitable pivotal connection '16, which permits of an initial tilting movement of the spacinglever or actuator upon its own axis independent of the swinging support or rockerarm therefor. At one side of its pivotal point 16 the form of spacing-lever shown in the drawings is laterally widened or expanded to produce a shoe 17, having a curved milled or serrated gripping edge 18, which is designed to engage with the knurled or milled peripheral edge 8 of the spacing element or wheel 7 when the spacing lever or actuator 12 is moved in a forward and downward direction. The shoe 17 of the spacing lover or actuator 12 constitutes a gripping portion for engagement with the knurled wheel 7, and in the construction shown in the drawings (see Figs. 4 and 5) projects at one side of the plane of the pivot 16 and beyond the forward or lower edge of the swinging support or rockerarm 14. To permit of the free oscillation of the lever or actuator 12 without interference from any other part of the mechanism, the same is provided in one end thereof with a widened clearance-notch 19, through which extends the connecting-pin 20, fitted to and projecting from one side of the rocker-arm 14. Another pin 2O projects from one side of the rocker-arm 14 somewhat nearer the periphery of the collar 15 and has connected therewith the free end of the retracting-sprin g 21, which is preferably coiled about said collar and has its opposite end secured fast to an extension of one of the brackets 4, as indicated at 22, Fig. 4. The spring 21 exerts its tension in a direction to normally retract the rocker-arm 14 and the actuator carried thereby to a normal position ready for actuation by the operator, the said spring also serving to retract the actuator against the stop element which is presented thereto through the medium of the stop device to be presently described. As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the spring may be retained against lateral displacement from the collar 15 by a disk 15, secured in bracket extension or stop 23.

any suitable manner to the outer side face of the collar and of sufficient diameter to project beyond the periphery of the 'collar and form aretaining-flange for the spring.

It may be observed at this point that when the actuator is retracted to its initial position against the stop element presented thereto the said stop element engages with the upper or back edge of the actuator or lever 12, between its pivot 16 and the wheel 7, thereby oscillating the actuator suiiiciently to move the gripping-shoe 17 thereof out of engagement or contact with the spacing element or wheel 7, Fig. 4, and undue oscillation of the lever in this. movement is prevented by the connecting-pin 20, which acts as a limitingstop for this independent tilting movement of the actuator when the gripping-shoe thereof moves away from the knurled or milled peripheral edge 8 of the spacing element or wheel 7. When the finger of the operator is placed upon the key or finger-plate 13 of the actuator, the same is oscillated upon its pivot 16, and the shoe 17 carried into gripping engagement with the spacing element or wheel 7, and the continued downward pressure of the actuator-grip upon the element or wheel 7 causes the latter to rotate a, distance equal to one line-space, this movement doing definitely limited by the permanent arrestingstop 23, Fig. 5, preferably in the form of an extension projecting laterally from one side of an arm extension 24 of one of the bearingbrackets 4 for the spacing-spindle or machine member 3. The said permanent arrestingstop lies in the path of the downward movement of the actuator and positively arrest-s the movement of the latter in one direction.

An important feature of the present invention resides in associating with the actuator 12 astop device providing for variable movements of the actuator between the said stop device and the permanent arresting-stop 23 to meet the diiferent requirements of the work. This stop device is adapted to be engaged by the actuator as it oscillates to its normal or initial position and in the present invention comprises means for adjusting the movement of the actuator for a plurality of fixed spacings or for securing a universal adjustment within the extreme limits ofmovement of the actuator, which latter adj ustment is of special utility in setting the machine to Write accurately on ruled lines. While these improvements may be embodied in different forms of stop devices, a preferred construction is shown in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, of the drawings and embodies a stop de vice essentially, in the form of a shiftable spacing-head 25, rotatably mounted upon a post 26, upstanding from the end of the The post 26 is preferably arranged directly beyond one side of the connection between the actuator and the rocker-arm 14 in order to present the pivotal mounting of the head directlyin line with the bearing-point of the actuator, and

as the head is disposed in a plane transverse to the plane of movement ofthe actuator the rotation of said head will obviously eifect'the presentation of the different stop elements to the actuator. J I

Referring more particularlyto the construction of' stop device shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, it will be observed that the head 25. is in the form of a cylindrical turret mounted in the present adaptation of the invention to rotate horizontally on a substantially vertical axis. shown as held rotatably upon the post 26 by a pivot-screw 27, screwed into theupper end against the upper surface of the turret to' reelement 30.

of the post and having its head disposed tain the latter in its proper plane. In'the' construction described an essentialfeature resides in providing the stop device or head with a stop element 30, having the'active con-' tact portion thereof cut obliquely or on an inclination to provide a plurality o'f fixed contact-points for engagement by the actuator, whereby the same may be set for a plurality of predetermined or fixed spacings. In theconstruction shown in Fig. 7 the active contact portion of'the stop element is formed with a stepped series of shoulders 32,

-defined'by the lower ends of a series of stopfingers 32 of different lengths, depending from turret-arms 34, extending radially from the upper portion of the turret. -ders 32 constitute well-defined individual fixed contact points and insure a positive stop engagement ofthe actuator with the stop gers of graduated lengths, or, as shown in Fig. 9, the construction of the stop'element may be varied by providing it with a plain In the use of this last variation of the stop element it may be desir-- able to'mark or indicate upon the said 010-- oblique surface 32.

lique or inclined stop-surface 32' the points of contact for the actuator, whereby the same accuracy may be secured as by forming the stop-surface with a stepped or graduated se-l ries'of shoulders, as already described.

While different mechanical elements, such as cams or equivalent machine elements; might be utilized to provide for the universal adjustment of the actuator, one mechanical embodiment is shown in the drawings and consists of an ordinary stop-screw 33. This stop-screw, which constitutes the universaladjustment element in the form of stop device shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, is mount ed in a threaded opening in-one of the turretarms 34 and is located the same distance from the axis of the turret as are the several fixed or predetermined stop-shoulders 32. The

head of the stop-screw is roughened or milled to permit it-to be firmly grasped and rotated by the operator to set the universal-adjustment element or screw to any position re- For illustrative purposes the turret is' The shoul- An obvious mechanical varia tion ofthe construction consists in providing ,the turret with a pendent stepped flange 30, as shown in Fig. 8, instead of a series of finquired by the particulanwork toloe-done. 1m mediately above'the arm 34:, in which the stopscrewis mounted, said screw is provided with a jam-nut or lock-nut 35, constituting one forrnzof device for locking the universal-adjustment element in itsv adjusted position. -l3y loosening this lock-nut 35 theuniversah stop .elementrmay be adjusted to permit only such movement of the actuator as is necessary to advance the spacing element the desired distance. l

-It will be observed that thestop-screw is located concentric with the fixed stopelement 3O, so that said screw, as well' as any of the "several contact-points of said element, may

be shifted into the plane of movement of the actuator 12, and in order to properly retain or hold the shiftable stop device in any of its several set positions, While at the same time permitting it to be freely shifted,"thereis associated with the said stop device a stop-1e tainer 38,Fig.4t. This stop-retainermay be any device capable of holding the stop device in its set position, and in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, the said retainer consists of a spring-urged latch-pin located within a depression or'socket 39 in the upper side of the post 26. The latch-pin 38 is seated upon a spring40 Within the socket 39 and is urged upward by saidspring to cause the'upper end of the pin to engage either of a series of shallow keeper recesses or concavities 41 in the under side of the head or turret 25 and arranged inspaced relation corresponding to the distances orrspaces between theplurality of fixed contact-points and the universal-adjustment element 33, so that when any of said contact-points'or said element are presented 'in the path of the actuator the latch-pin will engage one of the keeper-recesses to firmly hold the turret in its set position. By reason of the shallow or beveledformation of the keeper-recess, as Well as on account of the comparatively light pressure of the spring 40, the operator can by a'firm-pressure move the head or turretupon its'axis toany of its set positions against the resistance opposed by the-latch-pin to such movement, the pin being forced out of andv past one notch and into another. r r K It has been observed that when the actuator is retracted to its initial position against the stop element presented thereto the said 'stop element engages with the upper or back edge of theactuator between its pivot 16 and the wheel 7.v This-relation :of the lever 12 and the stop device causes'the gripping-shoe 17 to remain out of engagement with the spacing element or Wheel 7=when the actuator is in its initial or normal position, and the mafrom which it may be desired to commence or recommence the type-writing. Itis sometimes desirable, however, to have the actuating-lever constitute a holdback-dog when in its normal or inactive position to prevent the machine from being displaced by being inadvertently pushed backward. This result may be attained by causing the stop element'to be presented to the actuator at the opposite side of its pivot'that is to say, be-

tween the pivot 16 of the actuator and the finger-plate '13 thereof, as the actuator will not in this event be oscillated to remove theshoe 17 from engagement with the knurled or milled periphery of the wheel 7, but will on the contrary be held in engagement therewith under the impulse of the spring 21. (See 7 Fig. 5.)

vice is made possible by the mounting of the,

head or turret 25 in a direct line with the bearing-point of the actuator, as already described, and by reference to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be observed how either of the stop membersas, for instance, the universal-adjustment device or screw 33may be shifted into the path of the lever 12 between its pivot and the wheel 7 or, as shown in dotted lines, between the pivot 16 and the finger-plate 13.

Inasmuch as the normal position of the actuator or lever 12 is slightly inclined from the horizontal in this form of line-spacing mechanism,the axis of the head or turret 25 is correspondingly inclined from the vertical, as shown, in order to so present the stop member at either side of the pivot 16 as to arrest the leverat a predetermined point of its movement whether or not it is to be utilized as a holdback-dog.

In the construction of the form of mechanism described any number of fixed contact.

points may be provided for fixed or prede- I termined spacings; but it is usual to make provision in the stepped formation of the stop element 30 for three fixed spacingsnamely, for a narrow or single spacing, me-

dium spacing, and wide spacing so that whenever any of these spacings are desired it is simply necessary to shift the turret-head 25 to a position to present the proper fixed contact-point in the path of the actuator, so that the actuator will have a play between such fixed pointand the permanent arrestingstop 23. If it is necessary to set the machine for a difierent spacing than is provided for by any of the fixed spacings, the universaladjustment element 33 is brought into play by shifting the turret-head to a position which will bring the said element in the path of movement of the actuator, and by adjusting the said element, which is in the form of the screw 33 or any mechanical equivalent thereof, the desired spacing may be provided for. In this use of the mechanism the same possesses special utility for setting the machine to write accurately on ruled lines. It is possible, furthermore, to change from universal to fixed spacings and back to the universal spacings without disturbing the adjustment of the universal stop element, for the reason that ally of the spacing elements or contacts are shiftable into and out of the path of the actuator as the spacing device is shifted, and because of this peculiarity of the herein-described line-spacing mechanism any ascertained universal spacing may be instantly resorted to without necessity for again adjusting the universal stop element.

To exemplify the scope of the invention and the different forms of stop devices which might be utilized in connection with the actuator, several modified forms of stop devices are shown in Figs. .10 to 21, inclusive, of the drawings.

In describing the form of stop device illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings the same is referred to as a shiftable stop device; butit will be understood that this term is not intended to be restricted to a rotatable device or to one shiftable bodily, but is intended to comprehend any stop device having an adjustment or movement which will shift the stop element or elements thereof into and out of the path of the actuator. With this understanding of the term shiftable it will be seen that the construction shown in Figs. 10 to 17 of the drawings is a plain modification of the one already described and essentially consists of a slidable plunger or head 25. This shiftable plunger 25 is slidably mounted in a guide-sleeve26, provided at the outer end of the upper forwardly-extending arm 27 of a supporting-bracket 28, whichin this embodiment of the line-spacing mechanism is conveniently fitted or secured to the front ofthe traveling machine-frame 1. The guidesleeve 26 is preferably arranged transversely with relation to the plane of movement of the actuator, and therefore in the adaptation of the mechanism to the book type-writing machine shown in the drawings the said guidesleeve is horizontally arranged in parallelism to the machine member or spacing-spindle 3. The slidable plungeror head 25 consequently maintains the same disposition with relation to the other parts as the guide-sleeve 26; but the plunger 25, which constitutes the shiftable stop device of the construction being described, is ofa greater length than the sleeve 26, within which it works, so as to havea sufficient play to provide for presenting the different stop elements to the actuator. In this embodiment of the device the arrangement of the spacing-spindle 3, the spacing element or wheel 7, and the immediately-associated parts may be identical with the arrangement heretofore described. I prefer, however, to vary this arrangement in the prese nt construction by forming the spacing element 7 with a hubcollar 9, turning within a bearing-cup 10, Fig. 15, provided at one end of the bracketarm 11, suitably secured to the travelingma chineframe, and providing in connection with its bearing-cup and the hub-collar 9, fitted therein, a thoroughly-braced bearing for the element or wheel 7 to properly hold the same in a working plane, and thus insure accuracy in the working of the line-spacing mechanism. In this form of mechanism, furthermore, the rocker-arm latis pivotally hung at one end upon the spindle 3 at the side of the element or wheel 7 opposite the hub-collar 9 and supports the line-spacing lever or actuator in operative relation to the spacing element or wheel 7, thus permitting said arm to freely swing independently of the spindle when the spacing-lever is not in engagement with the wheel 7. In this construction of the mechanism, as in that heretofore described, the lever or actuator 2 is provided with a widened clearance-notch 19, through which extends the connecting-pin 20, fitted to and projecting from one side of the rocker arm of th general arrangement of parts (illustrated in Figs. 10 to 17) now under consideration is the position of the actuator or lever 12, which, instead of being approximately horizontal, as in the construction illustrated in the preceding figures of the drawings, assumes a position approximately vertical. This variation necessitates the provision of an upwardly-disposed arm extension 24, constituting a continuation of one of the brackets 4 for the spacing-spindle and provided with a permanent arresting-stop 23 in the form of a pin or stud. those to which attention has been directed the arrangement of the actuator, spacing element, and their connected parts are related and adapted to be operated in the manner heretofore described, the variations referred to having been made necessary by the location of the slidable stop device upon the machine-frame in the manner stated.

Referring more particularlyto the construction'. of stop device illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16 of the drawings, it will be observed that the plunger or head 25 is in the form-of a straight stem, conformingin contour to the bore of the guide-sleeve 26 and provided at its opposite ends with terminal manipulating-- heads 29, which may be roughened or milled so that the same can be firmly grasped by the fingers of the hand to shift or slide the plun- In all respects other than ger-stem from one set position to another. In addition to the terminal manipulatingheads 29 the form of stop device shown in Fig. 16 of the drawings is provided at one side thereof with a longitudinally-arranged stop section or element 30 in the form of a bar or rib, which engages withaguiding-slot 31, formed longitudinally of the sleeve 26, in one side thereof, and cooperating with the bar or rib 30 to hold the plunger-stem 25 to reciprocation in afixed plane besides preventing the axial movement or turning thereof. The longitudinally-arranged stop section or element 30 corresponds in function to the stop element 30 in the previously-described form of the device and is likewise formed with a stepped series of shoulders 32, which constitute individual fixed contact-points and insure a positive stop engagement of the actuator with the stop element 30.

An obvious mechanical variation of the stop element or section 30 is illustrated in Fig. 17 and consists in forming said stop element with a plain oblique stop-surface 32, this Variation bearing the same relation to the construction shown in Fig. 16 as the variation illustrated in Fig. 9 bears to the preferred form of stop mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7. The universal-adjustment element employed in this construction is preferably embodied in a stop-screw 33, mounted in a threaded opening 34, piercing the plungerstem 25 at one side of the plane of the fixed stop element 30, and the active end of said screw projects beyond the same side of the plunger-stem 25 as the fixed stop element 30. The threaded opening 34: through the plunger-stem 25, in which the stop-screw 33 is mounted, intersects a bifurcation or kerf 35,formed in one end of the plunger-stem 25 and providing opposite spring-jaw por tions 36, engaged by a clamping-screw 37, i

loosening the spring-clamp through the medium of the clamping-screw 37 the universal-adjustment element or screw 00 may be set to any position required by the particular work to be done. It will be observed that the active end of the stop-screw 33 is located in the same horizontal plane as the fixed stop element 30, so that said screw, as well as any of the fixed contact-points of said element, may be shifted into the plane of movement of the actuator 12 by shifting the plungeror head 25,with'which there is associated a stop-retainer 38. The particular form of this stop-retainer 38 is not essential; but in the present construction said retainer consists of a pivotal latch-bar 39, normally set in a groove or channel 40, formed in the upper side of the upper bracket-arm 27 and provided with a heel portion 41, mounted upon a suitable pivot 4-2, fitted to the supporting-bracket 28. The pivotal heel portion 11 of the latch-bar 43, secured fast at one end to the bracket 28 and having its other end normallypressed against the heel 41 with a sufficient pressure to yieldinglyhold the unpivoted portion thereof normally engaged with the plunger-stem 25. A preferable connection between the latch-bar 39 and the plunger-stem 2:? is effected by providing said latch-bar contiguous to its free end with a beveled retainingpoint 44, which engages with the correspondinglybeveled keeper-notches 45, formed in one side of the plunger 25 and arranged in spaced relation corresponding to the distances between the fixed contact-points and the universal-adjustment element 33, so that the plunger-stem will be held firmly in its set position by the engagement of the beveled retaining-point l-l with one of the keepernotches 45 when any of said contact-points or said element 33 are presented in the path of the actuator. It is evident that this form of stop-retainer will permit the plunger-stem to be moved longitudinally to any of its set positions by the exertion of sufficient pressure upon the plunger to force the retaining-point from one notch to another.

Still another modified form of stop device or shiftable spacing member is illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21, inclusive, of the drawings, the form of the stop devicein these figures being that pf-a rotary cam-plate 25 This camplate may be mounted in any desired operative position with relation to the actuator 12, but for illustrative purposes is shown as ar ranged to rotate horizontally upon a vertical axis and is preferably supported upon a screw 50, depending from a bracket 51 and having a flat head 52 disposed directly under the cam. The bracket 51 is secured in any suitable manner to the front frame of the machine and is recessed in its under side for the reception of a stop-retainer 38 in the form of a spring-pressed pin having a pointed end disposed to engage shallow recesses or indentations 41 in the upper side of the cam 25*. When the stop-retainer 38 is in engagement with either of the recesses 41, a correspondingly-fixed stop 32 of the cam 25 will'be presented to the actuator. In this form of the stop device the fixed spacings are obtained by providing the cam with graduated steps, as shown more clearly in Fig. 21. These steps are disposed at different distances from the axis of movement of the cam to arrest the actuator at varying limits of movement in an obvious manner, and the universal spacings are secured by forming the cam 25 with a universal stop element in the form of a cam edge 33", having such eccentric relation to the axis of the cam as will present said edge at a gradually-increasing distance from the axis of the cam between the opposite ends of the stepped portion thereof-that is to say, the cam edge 33 extends from the inner step or fixed stop to the outer step or fixed stop to permit any desired universal spacing by rotating the cam to present any desired portion of its edge 33 to the actuator 12. In this form of the device, therefore, as Well as in the other forms already described,'the same mechanical feature is preservednamely, that of providing a stop device with a plurality of fixed contact-points for fixed or predetermined spacings and a universal-adjustment element for universal spacing. In this em bodiment of the invention the bracket 51 is preferably provided with what may be termed an index edge 53, Fig. 19, disposed radially With respect to the cam and extending over the upper face thereof to enable the operator to observe the position of the cam by noting which graduation of the series of graduations provided thereon is opposite this index edge 53. This will enable the operator to make any universal spacing, ranging from the narrowest to the widest fixed widths of spacing, and will permit said operator to revert to the same universal spacing which he may have been using subsequent to the use of the fixed spacings. The locking device for the universal-spacing element is in this form embodied in a locking or compression screw 37 provided with a knurled head and extended through the bracket 51 and into operative relation with the cam 25", the depression or tilting of thelatter when the screw 37 is screwed down being prevented by a stud 54, projecting from the frame of the machine and disposed under the cam 25, adjacent to the location of the screw.

It will now be apparent that the several forms of the invention which have been illustrated and described all embrace not only a stop device having one or more fixed contactpoints and a universal-adjusting element, but that all of these forms of the invention also embody the thought of a single stop device having a movement which serves to effect the shifting of the fixed contact point or points or of the universal-adjustment element into and out of the plane of movement of the actuator or spacing element.

Various other modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and as divers forms of stop devices and other mechanical variations of the invention may be resorted to in the carrying out of the samev it will be understood that various changes in the form, proportion, and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is

1. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines, comprising a single actuator, and spacing means including separate devices for fixed or predetermined spacing and for universal spacing, the latter being adjustable, said spacing means and actuator being relatively movable to effect an operative relation between the actuator and either of said devices without disturbing the adjustment of the universal-spacing device.

2. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines comprising actuating means, and fixed and adjustable stop elements cooperating with said actuating means to provide respectively for fixed and universal spacings, eitherjof said stop elements being shiftable into and out of operative position without disturbing the adjustment of the adjustable stop element.

ing machines comprising an actuator, and a device having fixed and adjustable elements cooperating with said actuator to provide respectively for fixed and universal spacings, said device being shiftable to move either of said elements into or out of its operative position Without disturbing the adjustment of the adjustable element.

4. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines comprising an actuator, and a single device having fixed and adjustable elements cooperating with said actuator to provide respectively for fixed and universal spacin gs, said device being shiftable to move all of the elements simultaneously for the purpose of presenting any one of them in operative relation with the actuator without disturbing the adjustment of the adjustable element.

5. A line-spacing mechanism for type-Writing machines comprising actuating means, and shiftable fixed and adjustable stop eletnents cooperating with said actuating means and arranged for movement into and out of their operative positions without disturbing the adjustment of the adj ustable stop elenrent.

6. Aline-spacing mechanism for type-Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable device having fixed and adjustable stop elements cooperating with said actuator to provide for fixed and universal spacings and shiftable to present either of the stop elements to the actuator without disturbing the adjustment of the adjustable stop element.

7. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device comprising means for effecting a plurality of fixed or predetermined adjustments for the movement of the actuator, and also for the universal adjustment thereof.

8. A line-spacing mechanism for type-Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a single stop device comprising means for effecting a plurality of fixed or predetermined adjustments for the movement of the actuator, and also for the universal adjustment thereof.

9. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writing machines comprising an actuator, and a single shiftable device having fixed and adjustable stop elements cooperating with the said actuator to provide respectively for fixed or predetermined and universal spacings.

10. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and

a shiftable stop device having a plurality of contacts adapted to cooperate with said actuator to determine the play thereof, one of said contacts being capable of individual adjustment. i

11. A line-spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a single shiftable stop device having a plurality of contacts disposed to be simultane ously shifted and adapted to individually cooperate with the actuator, one of said con- .tacts being capable of individual adjustment. 3. A line-spacing mechanism for type-writ- 12. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprisingan actuator, and a single stop device having a plurality of fixed contact-points, and a universal-adjustment element, which are arranged to individually cooperate Withthe actuator.

13. A linespacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a single stop device shiftable transversely across the path of the actuator and having a plurality of contacts individually cooperating therewith, one of said contacts being capable of individual adjustment.

14. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a single stop device shiftable in a plane intersectin g the path of movement of the actuator and having a plurality of fixed contactpoints for predetermined spacings, and a universal-adj ustment element for universal spac ing, said fixed contact-points and the universal-adjustment element individually cooperating with the actuator.

15. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising actuating mechanism and a stop device having fixed contactpoints for predetermined spacings, and an adjustable stop-screw for universal spacing.

16. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable stop device having a plurality of fixed contact-points for predetermined spacings,-and an adjustable stop-screw for universal spacing.

17. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a single shiftable stop device having a plurality of fixed contact-points for predetermined spacings, and an adjustable stop-screw for universal spacing.

18. A line-spacing mechanism for type- Writin g machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device arranged for adjustment in a planeintersecting the path of the actuator and having individual elements for fixed and universal spacings.

19. A line-spacing.mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and

a single shiftable stop device adjustable in a actuator.

21. A line spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable stop device having a stepped series of stop-shoulders cooperating with the actuator, and an independen tly-adj ustable u niversal stop element.

22. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable stop device having a stop element provided with an active contact portion arranged to present a plurality of stop-points in different planes, and a universal-adjustment element shiftable with said stop device.

23. A line-spacing mechanism for type Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device consisting of a rotary head having a universal-adj ustment element shiftable into and out of the path of the actuator.

24. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable stop device consisting of a suitably-supported rotary head having a plurality of fixed contact-points for predetermined spacings, and a universal-adjustment element.

25. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, a suitably-arranged support, and a shiftable stop device consisting of a rotary head mounted upon the support and having a plurality of fixed stop-points'for predetermined spacings, and a universal-adjustment element.

26. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and a shiftable stop device having an adjustable stop-screw movable into and out of the path of the actuator.

27. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, an actuator, and a stop device disposed to norm ally retain the actuator in positive engagement with the spacing element to act as a holdback-dog for the machine.

28. A linespacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a pivoted actuator, and a stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator in front of the pivot to hold said actuator in positive engagement with the spacing element to act as a holdback-dog for the machine.

29. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a pivoted actuator cooperating therewith, and a stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at the side of its pivot opposite the spacing element to hold said actuator normally in engagement with said spacing element.

30. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a pivoted actuator cooperating therewith, and a variable stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at a point between the spacing element and the pivot of the actuator to normally hold said actuator out of engagement with the spacing element.

31. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, an actuator, and a shiftable stop device arranged to limit the movement of the spacing element and also disposed to locate the actuator normally in and out of engagement With the spacing element, as desired.

32. A line-spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising a spacing element, an actuator, and a shiftable stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at either side of its pivot.

33. A line-spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising a spacing element, a movable support, means for urging the support, an actuator pivoted upon said support, and a shiftable stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at either side of its pivot.

34:. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a pivoted actuator, and a rotary stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at either side of its pivot.

35. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a movable support, means for urging the support, an actuator pivoted upon the said support, and a rotary stop device disposed for presentation to the actuator at either side of its pivot.

-36. A line-spacing mechanism for type writing machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device consisting of a rotary head mounted opposite the pivotal point of the actuator and having a stop element presentable to the, actuator at either side of the pivotal point thereof.

37. A line-spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device consisting of a rotary head having a plurality of fixed stop elements of different lengths, and an adjustable stop-screw, either of said stop elements or the stop-screw being shiftable into or out of the path of the actuator.

38. A line -spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, and a stop device consisting of a rotary head having a plurality of arms, fixed stop elements carried by certain of said arms, and an adjustable stop element carried by one of the arms.

39. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, and astop device comprisinga rotary head mounted directly opposite the bearing-point of the actuator and having a plurality of radial arms, stop-fingers of different lengths depending from certain of said arms, and an adjustable stop-screw piercing one of the arms and extending therebelow. 1

40. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, a stop device cooperating with the actuator and provided with a series of shallow depressions, a relatively fixed partopposed to the stop device, and a spring-urged stop-pin carried by the fixed part and yieldingly engaging the depressions in the stop device.

41. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator, a shiftable stop device having a plurality of fixed points for predetermined spacings and a universal-adj ustment point, and a stop-retainer for retaining the stop device in position to present any ofsaid points to the actuator.

42. In a line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines, the combination with the movable machine member carrying a knurled wheel, of a single rocker-arm, a spacing-lever pivotally mounted upon said rocker-arm and provided at one side of the plane of its pivot with a gripping-shoe cooperating with said wheel, and stops shiftable into direct cooperative relation with the spacing-lever.

43. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a rocker-arm, an actuator carried by the rocker-arm and cooperating with the spacing element, and a single operating-spring common to the rocker-arm and actuator.

44. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, a pivoted rocker-arm, an actuator pivoted upon said rocker-arm and provided with a notch, and a stop-pin extending into said notch from the rocker-arm.

45. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a spacing element, an actuator cooperating with said spacing element, and a spring having one end fixed and its opposite end operatively connected to the actuator and disposed to be wound by the downward movement thereof.

46. A line spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising an actuator and a stop device consisting of a plurality of fixed stop elements of different lengths, and an adjustable stopelement, either of said fixed stop elements, or the adjustable stop element,being shiftable into or out of the path of the actuator.

47. A line-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines comprising a shiftable stop device having a plurality of fixed points for predetermined spacings and a universal-adjustment element, and means for retaining the stop device in position to present either of said fixed contact-points or the universal element in position for presentation to the actuator.

48. A line -spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines comprising an actuator, a plurality of stops for predetermined spacing, an adjustable stop for universal spacing, and means for operatively connecting the several stops, whereby the displacement of one stop from the path of the actuator will eifect its replacement by another of said stops.

49. In 'a line-spacing mechanism for type- Writing machines, .the combination with an actuator, of a universal stop element adj ustable in one direction to regulate the throw of the actuator and shiftable in another direction to move said universal stop element into and out of the path of the actuator, and a fixed stop element shiftable with the universal stop element, whereby the shifting of one stop out of the path of the actuator will cause its replacement by the other stop element.

50. In aline-spacing mechanism for typewriting machines, the combination with an actuator, of a universal stop element adjustable to regulate the throw of the actuator, and shiftable into and out of the path of the actuator without disturbing adjustment of said stop element.

51. In a type-writing machine, the combination with an actuator, of a single device carrying individual means for fixed spacings and for universal spacings, said individual means being shiftable into and out of the path of the actuator without disturbing the adjustment of the universal-spacing means.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES FREDERICK LAGANKE.

Witnesses: I

ALBERT E. FEIHL,

GEORGE E. SHANE. 

